Throughout history, opioids have widely been regarded as wonder drugs. Applications of the drug have ranged from pain relief for war injuries to recreational use. Even today, their use in managing acute and chronic pain is largely considered standard care. Drugs like codeine, fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and hydrocodone are commonly utilized to place patients into a euphoric, pain-free state. However, in the face of an ever-growing epidemic crisis, it may be time to rethink standard care.

Experts believe those numbers aren’t going to decrease any time soon. Physicians rely heavily on opioid prescriptions for pain relief and many of them overzealously prescribe opioid pills. A study conducted by the National Safety Council revealed that 99% of physicians write prescriptions exceeding the recommended three-day dosage. Furthermore, 25% of those prescriptions were extended a whole 27 days past the three day recommendation. In order to drastically reduce opioid related fatalities action must be taken and it should be take fast.

Opioids Are The Problem. How Is Cannabis The Solution?

The use of medical marijuana has been legal in Pennsylvania since April of 2016. Marijuana is currently utilized to treat conditions related to cancer, autism, PTSD, ALS, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, and chronic pain.

While cannabis is already being used to manage chronic pain, one of the plant’s most promising abilities is currently unutilized. Research has shown that cannabis can be effectively harnessed to curb opioid addiction. In fact, several states have already greenlighted the use of medical marijuana in addiction treatment.

With cannabis successfully mitigating pain and curbing addiction, many are left wondering why the state has not pushed harder to reduce the use of opioids in favor of medical marijuana. Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Wolf, has recognized the opioid crisis Pennsylvania currently faces. In an effort to combat drug abuse, the mayor signed into action the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The program collects information on all filled prescriptions to prevent drug abuse, but some believe these actions will not be enough to make a dent on the state fatality rate.

Learn More About Promise Of Medical Marijuana

The Slocum Firm works day in and day out with injured accident victims in Pennsylvania. Matt and Arianne Slocum have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects opioids can have on patients suffering with moderate to severe injuries. Replacing opioids with a safer alternative is more of a priority than ever before and the Slocum Firm invites you to learn more about why medical marijuana can be that safer alternative.